Floral Design: From Classroom to Competition
Sunday, March 15, 2015 | Author: Leighton James, Texas FFA News Staff
Innovative and inspiring floral arrangements were on display at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo after 111 students, including many Texas FFA members, competed in the annual floral design Youth Rodeo Cup.
Participants are given a bundle of fresh flowers and materials and are asked to complete a wedding bouquet and interpretative design. Then top 20 exhibitors with the highest combined scores advance to the final surprise situation round where each exhibitor is asked to construct a design that reflects the surprise topic.
The judges looked for a high standard in design and technique as participants showcased their talent in floristry.
“[The contest] is stressful, but I feel like if I calm down and stand back and use what my teachers taught me, I will do what I need to do,” Makayla Moreau, New Caney FFA member said.
After competing in the Youth Rodeo Cup the past two years, A&M Consolidated FFA member, Kayla Wallace, wanted to return and utilize her floral design skill set. She believes that interacting with other students in the contest adds value to her floral design experience.
“I gain more knowledge by looking at everyone else’s [arrangements}, and gather more styles,” Wallace said. “I can ask students about their arrangements and see where they got their inspiration from.”
Donna Webster, Chairman of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Horticulture Committee, said contestants are utilizing skills such as planning, implementation, and time management while competing.
“The [participants] learn a lot of life skills,” said Webster. “Things they may not realize they’re learning at the time.”
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